Google’s new payment platform unifies Android Pay and Google Wallet

Google has launched its unified payments platform, Google Pay, which brings together all of its payment offerings under one brand.

The new Google Pay app combines the company’s Android Pay and Google Wallet offerings into a single service that can be used in mobile apps, online and for contactless payment in real-world stores.

Available as an update to the existing Android Pay app, Google Pay stores the payment information from your Google Account.

“We’re currently working on bringing Google Pay to all Google products, so whether you’re shopping on Chrome or with your Assistant, you’ll have a consistent checkout experience using the cards saved to your Google Account,” Google said in a blog post. “We’re also working with partners online and in stores, so you’ll see Google Pay on sites, in apps, and at your favourite places around the world.”

Existing Android Pay users will find all of the familiar features, with more planned to be added in the future.

The app’s Home tab shows recent purchases and nearby stores that accept payment via Google Pay. There is also a Cards tab which stores details of individual credit, debit, loyalty and gift cards.

“You’ll still get all your bank’s perks and protections, plus an extra layer of security, since Google Pay doesn’t share your actual card number when you pay in stores,” Google said. “And those online payment forms that take forever to fill out? Just choose Google Pay at checkout and pay with a few quick clicks instead.”

Within the next few months, users in the US and the UK will also be able to use Google Pay to send and request money. And in the meantime, the Wallet app is now called Google Pay Send.